Emilio Zapico

Emilio Zapico Falcón (27 May 1944 - 9 August 1996): Spanish racing driver from Gijón, Asturias, who attempted to qualify for one Formula One Grand Prix. Entered the 1976 Spanish Grand Prix at Jarama with the struggling Williams team, securing backing from Spanish insurance company Mapfre to rent a Williams FW04-Ford, a year-old chassis from 1975. Frank Williams brought the old FW04 to Jarama, putting Zapico in the seat for Spain's home race. Despite his efforts, failed to qualify for the race, unable to wrench 24th and last place on the grid from Australian Larry Perkins' Boro, finishing among those who did not make the cut.

His single Formula One attempt ended without a race start. Prior to his F1 opportunity, Zapico was an experienced competitor in both rally and circuit racing, having graduated through Spanish national motorsport. Competed in the European Touring Car Championship from 1972, achieving notable results including fifth place at the 1973 Tourist Trophy at Silverstone and fourth at Jarama in 1975, demonstrating his circuit racing abilities on international stages. His touring car experience and Spanish backing made him an attractive candidate for a one-off F1 entry at his home grand prix, though the uncompetitive year-old Williams proved insufficient.

Beyond racing, Zapico was a qualified pilot with considerable aviation experience. Tragically killed on 9 August 1996 when the ultralight aircraft he was piloting crashed, ending his life at age 52. Though his Formula One career consisted of a single failed qualification attempt, Zapico was a respected figure in Spanish motorsport during the 1970s, representing Spain's racing ambitions during an era when the country was developing its motorsport infrastructure.